CBSE EXAMINATION PAPER-2025
ENGLISH
(Solved)
General Instructions :
Read the following instructions carefully and follow them :
- This question paper contains 34 questions. All questions are compulsory.
- This question paper is divided into 8 sections.
- Section A – questions number 1 to 2 are unseen passage
- Section B – questions number 3 to 6 are case based questions
- Section C – questions number 7 to 11 are grammar mcqs
- Section D – questions number 12 to 18 are grammar short
- Section E – questions number 19 to 26 are short answer
- Section F – questions number 27 to 28 are letter
- Section G – questions number 29 to 30 are paragraph
- Section H – questions number 31 to 34 are long answer
- There is no overall choice given in the question paper. However, an internal choice has been provided in few questions.
- Use of calculator is NOT allowed.
Section A
Read the following text :
ChatGPT can search. It cannot research. The platform has attracted the world’s attention because of the speed with which it assembles and produces information in a logical sequence, powered by artificial intelligence, as if a human being were prompting it to write.
Curious about understanding what ChatGPT can do, I opened an account and asked if it would replace research in the future. Promptly, it replied : “As an Al language model, I don’t hold personal beliefs, but I can present arguments on both sides of the topic.”
The answer amused me. The speed with which it typed the information across the screen was mind-boggling. I could not read the answer as fast as it typed out the sentence. But, when it had finished, I read through the document. It was impressive. It was truly informative.
Five different points had been explained briefly in seconds. I would have thought of those five points in an hour or more, depending on the complexity of the topic. “Al : Catalyst, not Conqueror : ChatGPT and the future of research” was the title that it threw up to my question. It matched my opinion about the future of research after ChatGPT. The write-up had an introduction and a conclusion, just as our English teachers have taught us.
The document came from countless databases, as that is what it’s designed to do. By contrast, when I research a subject for an 800- word article, I visit five or six authoritative sources; I don’t go to a million as most are copies.
The difference between the write-up of ChatGPT and my research article is the former is a mere summary. When I write, I search new ideas and knit them in a way that reflect my thoughts and perspective. I choose only what is original, unique and fresh and process them in my mind to create a fresh angle.
Research has no value if it only summarises known information. Even a literature survey in your subject requires you to say what you will do with it further, and how.
Research is not a joke. Years ago, I had asked my professor, later on my supervisor, “How can I publish an article in research journals ?”
He answered, “When you have read everything on the subject, and have something original to add to the existing body of research.” My head swam.
Excellent research is a daunting task and calls for hard intellectual work. When you research, you don't go wide; you go deep. You thoroughly investigate a minor concept, researching it extensively, substantiating each claim with reliable sources, experiments, models and beyond. It took years to discover the atom and the theory of gravitation. ChatGPT can summarise these discoveries, but it cannot add to them. It does not have the mental wherewithal for that.
Answer the following questions, based on the passage above :
(1) Which of the following statements best summarises the author’s views about ChatGPT ? (A) It can summarise discoveries. (B) It assembles and produces information. (C) Its information is based on numerous databases. (D) It can only search but not research.
This is supported by the passage where it says ChatGPT can summarise discoveries but cannot add to them and that it can only search, not research.
(2) What did the professor suggest to the author’s question of how he could publish his research journal ? (Answer in 40 words only.)
(3) Complete the given analogy : Dependable : reliable : rational :_____________.
In the analogy, dependable is similar in meaning to reliable. Similarly, rational is similar in meaning to logical. Both pairs are synonyms, so the word that completes the analogy is 'logical'. This is consistent with the understanding from the passage where logical sequence of information is highlighted.
(4) Complete the sentence appropriately. The author noticed that the write-up produced by ChatGPT had an introduction and a conclusion, just as he learnt in his English class but it still lacked____________.
(5) The author was moved by the___________ with which the ChatGPT was producing the article. (A) originality (B) information (C) rationality (D) speed
(6) Quote the answer of ChatGPT, from the above given passage, when it was asked whether it would replace research in the future ?
(7) State whether the given statement is True/False : Research is not beneficial if it only summarises the known information.
(8) Mention one basic difference between the write-up of ChatGPT and author’s research article.
ChatGPT provides a summary of information gathered from numerous databases without adding new ideas.
In contrast, the author’s research article reflects original thoughts, unique perspectives, and fresh ideas that are deeply processed.
This shows that while ChatGPT can quickly summarise known information, it cannot create new knowledge as true research does.
Read the following text :
The climate and landscape in Uttarakhand vary greatly with altitude (186 — 7619 m), from the largest glaciers in the higher elevation to the subtropical forests in the lowest elevation.
The lowlands along the border of U.P. are covered by the drier Terai- Savanna grasslands, the moist deciduous forest of the Upper Gangetic Plains form the Bhabhar belt. Due to the extensive agricultural practices, most of these lowland forests have been cleared. Snow and bare ice occupy the highest altitudes.
This state occupies 53,483 sq.km., (1.63% of India’s total land area). Out of 13 districts, Uttarkashi occupies the maximum area of 8039 sq. km., while Champawat covers the minimum area of 1634 sq. km. Uttarakhand experiences four types of seasons, namely, Monsoon (June to September), Post-monsoon (October to November), Cold weather (December to February) and Pre-monsoon (March to May). The normal annual precipitation in the state is 1446 mm. Rain usually starts at the end of April and lasts until September. The monsoon rainfall is 78% of the annual rainfall. This makes the state prone to flood during monsoon. Bageshwar receives the maximum normal annual rainfall (1872 mm). 81% falls of this rainfall occurs in the monsoon season. Haridwar receives the minimum normal annual rainfall (1107 mm).
Due to the differences in topographical features, temperatures vary widely. During March and April, temperatures rise until they peak in May and June, when the mean maximum temperature in the southern and valley regions is between 34° and 38 °C, and the mean minimum temperature is between 20° and 24 °C. Temperatures can reach 42 °C in the valleys and southern half of the state and 30 °C in two-kilometre-high elevations on some days. Day and night temperatures begin to dip around the end of September and reach the lowest in January and early February. January is the coldest month, with an average maximum temperature of 20 °C and an average lowest temperature of 6 °C. The mean maximum and mean minimum temperatures range from 10° to 12 °C at altitudes of 2 km. Answer the following questions, based on the passage above :
(1) Fill in the blank suitably : The variance in climate and landscape of Uttarakhand as per paragraph 1 is marked by________.
[1 Mark]This shows how altitude affects both climate and vegetation in the state.
(2) Based on your understanding of the paragraph 2, fill in the blanks with the appropriate option from those given in brackets. Most of the lowland forests are__________ (maintained/cleared) due to the _________ (large-scale/small-scale) agricultural practices.
(3) Based on the passage, which of the districts has the lowest rainfall in Uttarakhand ?
(4) ‘This makes the state of Uttarakhand prone to flood during monsoon.’ Justify the statement with reference to the passage given above in 30-40 words.
(5) In the given sentence taken from paragraph 3, select the option that correctly replaces the underlined word, with its most likely Antonym. Rain usually starts at the end of April and lasts until September. (A) begins (B) arrives (C) ends (D) commences
(6) Which two districts have maximum and minimum rainfall in the state ? (A) Bageshwar and Chamoli (B) Nainital and Rudraprayag (C) Haridwar and Garhwal (D) Bageshwar and Haridwar
Hence, the correct answer is option (D) Bageshwar and Haridwar.
(7) How is Bhabhar belt formed ?
(8) State which of the given statements is not true : (A) January is the coldest month, with an average maximum temperature of 20 °C and an average lowest temperature of 6 °C. (B) The mean maximum and mean minimum temperatures range from 15 to 20 °C at altitudes of 2 km.
(9) Complete the given table :
[1 Mark]
Section B
(1) Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket : The use of the phrase ‘proud cackle’ adds to a sense of __________ (noise/pride) in the extract.
[1 Mark](2) Describe the contrasting reactions of the parents to their children giving reasons.
(3) How do the parents teach their young to be independent ?
(4) The word ‘devour’ in the above extract most nearly means (A) scared (B) gobbled (C) preserved (D) cooled
(1) What is Lomov pleading for ? (A) to be heard (B) bricks for his aunt’s grandmother (C) documents of the Meadows (D) for two days time to prove himself
[1 Mark](2) Fill in the blank with the correct word from the bracket : The use of the phrase ‘can’t make head or tail’ adds to a sense of__________ (confusion/realization) to the extract.
(3) What is Lomov trying to prove ?
(4) What effect does the following sentence have on Natalya ? Why ? ‘The peasants of your father’s grandfather...........used to bake bricks for my aunt’s grandmother.’
(1) What poetic device is used in the first sentence ?
[1 Mark](2) Complete the following suitably : The word ‘unmerciful’ in the given context implies that Belinda is ___________.
(3) What was ironical about Custard being referred to as Percival ?
(4) What image of Custard is created in the above lines ?
(1) What image does the above extract create about Amanda’s mother ?
[1 Mark](2) Why is the second verse written in brackets ?
(3) Amanda calls herself a mermaid because_________ (A) Mermaid is Amanda’s favourite fantasy character. (B) Amanda loves watching a mermaid drifting in water. (C) Amanda longs to be free like a mermaid which sails effortlessly in the sea. (D) Amanda wants to sail with a mermaid in the deep-sea water.
This matches option (C).
(4) Amanda wants to be the sole inhabitant in the sea.Elucidate.
Section C
Fill in the blank to complete this message in a poster for safety. Our planet is precious and only we_______ save it.
The correct option is 'can' because it expresses possibility and ability, implying that it is within our capability and responsibility to save our planet. The context emphasizes the value of water and the need to save it, underlining that humans have the power and duty to protect the environment.
Select the correct option to complete the reporting of the dialogues given below : Mother : Why aren’t you playing with your friends ? Rayan : I am not feeling well today. Mother asked Rayan_________ Rayan replied that he was not feeling well that day.
In reported speech, when reporting a question starting with 'why', we use 'why' followed by the subject and verb in correct order. Hence, 'Mother asked Rayan why he wasn't playing with his friends.' is the correct transformation of the question. Other options are either incorrect in question format or tense usage.
Fill in the blank choosing the most appropriate option : The news about the retirement of my favourite character gave me ________ disappointment.
The word 'disappointment' is an uncountable noun, so we use quantifiers suitable for uncountable nouns. Among the options, 'much' correctly quantifies uncountable nouns expressing a large amount. Therefore, 'much disappointment' is the correct choice. 'Many' and 'few' are used with countable nouns, while 'little' would suggest a small amount of disappointment, which is not appropriate here given the context of strong feelings caused by retirement news.
Complete the given sentence with the correct form of verb. It is important to________ a healthy atmosphere.
The phrase 'It is important to' is followed by the base form of the verb (the infinitive without 'to'), which is 'create' in this case. 'Creating' would be a gerund form and does not fit grammatically after 'to' in this structure. 'Creates' and 'created' are incorrect verb forms here. Hence, the correct form is 'create'.
Section D
Rahil and Somil decided to reach the theatre at 5 pm. Report the
question asked by Rahil to Somil.
Which movie are we going to watch ?
Rahil asked Somil________.
Read the given line and identify the error.
When the rounds were completed, the hurdle and mazes appeared
on the appropriate places.
Explanation: The errors in the original sentence are plural and preposition errors. The word 'hurdle' should be plural as 'hurdles' because it refers to multiple obstacles. Similarly, 'mazes' is already plural. Also, the preposition 'on' is incorrect here; the correct preposition is 'in' when talking about something appearing within certain places. Hence, the corrected sentence is "When the rounds were completed, the hurdles and mazes appeared in the appropriate places."
Select the option that identifies the error and supplies the correction
for the line given below :
In earlier times, public libraries plays an important role in the lives
of the people.
Correct sentence: In earlier times, public libraries play an important role in the lives of the people.
Report the dialogue between a guard and a visitor by completing the
sentence :
Guard : Good morning Sir ! Park your car in the Visitor’s Parking
Area.
Visitor : OK. Please help me park my car in the Visitor’s Parking
Area.
The guard greeted the visitor and told him to park his car at the
Visitor’s Parking Area. At this, the visitor requested him_________.
Identify the error and supply correction for the following pre-flight
announcement before take-off.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome onboard flight 487 flying from Hong
Kong to San Francisco. We are currently third in line for take-off
and were expected to be in the air in approximately seven minutes
time.
Use the given format for your response.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome onboard flight 487 flying from Hong Kong to San Francisco. We are currently third in line for take-off and are expected to be in the air in approximately seven minutes.
Fill in the blank by choosing the correct option, to complete the line
given below :
The roads have been widened so much that six lanes of vehicles
_________ (will/may/could) be accommodated.
Explanation: The sentence talks about a definite fact that has occurred or is certain to happen because the roads have already been widened. Hence, "will" is appropriate to express certainty and future fact. "May" or "could" suggest possibility or uncertainty, which does not fit the context here.
Fill in the blank by using the correct form of the word in the bracket :
Mahi_______ (shirk) the task given to her and went out to play.
Section E
Ilustrate Lencho’'s unwavering faith in the Divine. (A Letter to God)
In what way did Nelson Mandela’s yearning for freedom alter the
course of his life ? ( Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom)
Is it ethical to enclose wild animals within cages ? Discuss with
reference to the poem, ‘A Tiger in the Zoo'.
The poem 'A Tiger in the Zoo' by Leslie Norris highlights the confinement of a majestic wild animal within the limited space of a zoo cage. Ethically, enclosing wild animals in cages can be seen as wrong because it restricts their freedom and natural behavior. The tiger in the poem is portrayed as restless and uncomfortable, which shows the negative impact of captivity on wild animals.
However, zoos sometimes help in protecting endangered species and educating people about wildlife and conservation. Alternatives like wildlife sanctuaries and protected natural reserves can provide animals with more natural living conditions. Also, educating people through documentaries and virtual tours could be an option instead of caging animals.
In conclusion, while zoos have some benefits, it is not ethical to deprive wild animals of their natural habitat and restrict their freedom simply for human entertainment. Conservation efforts should focus on protecting animals in the wild and creating safe natural environments rather than confining them in cages.
Upon encountering the deceased cow on the road, Valli was
emotional. Comment with reference to ‘Madam Rides the Bus’.
How does modern India recognize the tradition of courage and
bravery in Coorgi culture ? (Glimpses of India)
Education acts as a catalyst for a significant transformation in
Bholi. Comment. (Bholi)
(a) Before going to school, Bholi was shy, unconfident, and unaware of her rights. Education helped her gain confidence and courage.
(b) She started to think independently and stand against social evils, like child marriage.
(c) Her teacher encouraged her to speak up and taught her about self-respect and dignity.
(d) Ultimately, education empowered Bholi to transform from a timid girl to a confident person who could fight for her own well-being and change her destiny.
Thus, education acts as a catalyst by bringing positive changes in Bholi’s personality and life.
Refusing to accept our circumstances can result in an unhappy life.
Discuss in brief with reference to the story ‘The Necklace’.
How was the Hari Singh’s ‘appealing smile’ at the end different from
similar smiles of his on earlier occasions ? (The Thief’s Story)
Section F
Convenience, variety, discounts and laziness are some of the reasons
for the growing popularity of ordering food online. You are Santa /
Suhail student editor for the National Times. Compose a letter in
about 120 words to the Editor of the newspaper highlighting the
adverse effects of take-out food ordered online. Emphasize on the
overall well-being of eating home-cooked meals.
Editor,
National Times,
Date: 20 June 2024
Subject: Adverse Effects of Ordering Food Online
Dear Sir,
I am Santa, a student editor for your esteemed newspaper. I would like to highlight the adverse effects of ordering food online despite its growing popularity due to convenience, variety, and discounts. Frequent consumption of online take-out food often involves unhealthy ingredients, excessive oil, and preservatives which can lead to health issues like obesity and digestive problems. Moreover, it affects family bonding which is strengthened during home-cooked meals. Home-cooked food is healthier, hygienic, and nutritious as it contains fresh ingredients and balanced nutrition. It promotes overall well-being and helps maintain good health. I urge readers to limit online food orders and opt for homemade meals for better physical and mental health.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Santa
Student Editor
You visited your hometown after a period of four years and were
disappointed at the condition of the roads. They were in a state of
disrepair. The uneven surfaces, cracks and pot-holes were affecting
daily commute and causing safety issues for the people. You are
Sulekha/Salim. Write a letter to the Director of the Municipal
Corporation in about 100-120 words drawing attention to the poor
condition of roads and the inconvenience caused. Request him to
look into the matter and take early action.
H No. 45, Green Park
Hometown - 123456
Date: 15 June 2024
To
The Director
Municipal Corporation
Hometown
Subject: Request to repair the damaged roads
Respected Sir,
I am Sulekha/Salim, a resident of Hometown. I recently visited after four years and was deeply disappointed to see the poor condition of the roads. The roads have become uneven with many cracks and pot-holes. This has created major difficulties in daily commuting and poses serious safety risks for pedestrians and drivers alike.
I kindly request you to look into this matter urgently and take immediate action to repair and maintain the roads. Good roads are essential for safe and smooth travel and they also improve the overall image of our city.
Thank you for your attention.
Yours faithfully,
Sulekha/Salim
Section G
Read the following details of a children’s park in your colony :
Analyse the details of the park and write an analytical paragraph in
about 120 words about its suitability as a children’s park.
There is an alarming increase in the percentage of students
suffering from obesity. Given below are some of the findings of a
survey conducted to identify causes :
unhealthy diet — 40%
lack of exercise — 30%
stress and anxiety — 25%
genetic factors — 5%
Analyse the causes for obesity.
(a) Unhealthy diet (40%) : Eating too many high-calorie foods like fast food, sweets, and fried items leads to weight gain.
(b) Lack of exercise (30%) : Not doing enough physical activity causes the body to store extra fat.
(c) Stress and anxiety (25%) : Stress can increase eating habits or cause hormonal changes that promote obesity.
(d) Genetic factors (5%) : Some people inherit genes that make them more likely to gain weight.
Thus, obesity is mainly caused by unhealthy diet and inactivity, along with stress and genetic reasons. To prevent obesity, students should eat healthy food, exercise regularly, and manage stress properly.
Section H
Self-doubt and fear often act as barriers to success. On the other
hand, curiosity leads to learning new things. Justify the statement
citing instances from ‘His First Flight’ and ‘Madam Rides the Bus’.
(a) In ‘His First Flight’, the young seagull is filled with self-doubt and fear about flying. He is afraid to take the first leap despite being ready because he doubts his ability and fears failure. His fear acts as a barrier to his success. However, with encouragement from his family and curiosity about what lies beyond the cliff, he finally overcomes his fear and takes the flight, which leads to his success.
(b) In ‘Madam Rides the Bus’, the young girl is curious and eager to explore the world beyond her limited environment. Despite not knowing how to ride the bus or what to expect, her curiosity overcomes any fear or hesitation. Her adventurous spirit helps her learn new things and have new experiences.
(c) These stories show that self-doubt and fear can hold us back from achieving our goals, while curiosity motivates us to explore and learn. Trying despite the possibility of failure is important for success. Both stories highlight the importance of overcoming fear with courage and curiosity to achieve growth and learning.
What distinguishes the portrayal of the tiger in the poem ‘A Tiger in
the Zoo’ from the depiction of the tiger in the poem ‘How to tell Wild
Animals’ ?
The poem ‘A Tiger in the Zoo’ portrays the tiger as a captive animal confined within the limits of a zoo. It shows how the tiger is restless, pacing in its cage and deprived of its natural freedom. The poem highlights the contrast between the wild, free tiger in the jungle and the caged, restrained tiger in the zoo. The tone is somewhat sad and pitying because the tiger cannot express its true nature.
On the other hand, the poem ‘How to tell Wild Animals’ describes the tiger in its natural habitat - the wild jungle. In this poem, the tiger is depicted as powerful, alert, and mysterious. It roams freely, unafraid and unconfined. The poem emphasizes the wild, untamed characteristics of the tiger such as its bright eyes and stealthy movements.
In summary, the main difference is that ‘A Tiger in the Zoo’ shows the tiger as a captive, deprived of its natural instincts, while ‘How to tell Wild Animals’ presents the tiger as a free, wild creature in its natural environment. The first shows confinement and sorrow, the second freedom and power.
Imagine you are Bholi and write a diary entry, explaining how you dare to take such a bold step of refusing to marry Bishamber. (Bholi)
Today I took a stand that no one expected from me. I refused to marry Bishamber, and I am proud of my decision. My parents accepted Bishamber's proposal only because they thought he was rich and it was their duty to marry me off soon. At first, I agreed to this unequal match because I was scared of disappointing my family and society.
But later, I realized that I deserve respect and happiness, not just a marriage for the sake of it. Bishamber was rude and disrespectful. I could not live with someone who does not value me. I dared to speak out because I have gained confidence and strength from my schooling and my teacher's encouragement. Now I know my worth and I won't let anyone treat me unjustly.
I threw away the veil as a symbol that I will no longer hide my feelings or fears. I want to live with dignity and courage. I hope my family understands that my happiness matters too. This bold step is not only for me but for all girls who are treated unfairly. I am Bholi, but I have found my voice as Sulekha.
Yours,
Bholi
In the story, ‘A Triumph of Surgery’, a wealthy woman’s nonsensical
behaviour, is depicted. Do you think such individuals are merely
displaying foolishness or could their actions potentially, inflict harm
upon others ? Support your answer from the text.
Other Years — English